Ditch Creek Campground
4.5414 reviewsQuick Facts
6,300 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
13 campsites
Season
Full services provid...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
6,300 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
13 campsites
Season
Full services provid...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsDitch Creek Campground
$0.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak Season: $22/night. Off Season: $0/night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to Single Campsites ONLY.
Standard Site Fee$22.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$22.00
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What Campers Say
4.54
Top-Rated
Based on 14 reviews
35 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanspacious
"The campground receives positive reviews for its peaceful and secluded setting, cleanliness, and access to recreational activities like hiking and fishing. However, reviewers mention challenges such as limited water facilities, dust from ATV trails, and absence of cell service."
Fees & Passes at Ditch Creek Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: 14 days maximum per visit.
Cancellation: null
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Forest Recreation Management, Inc. website.
Best Time to Camp at Ditch Creek Campground
Experience the dramatic beauty of four distinct seasons at 6,300 feet. Winter transforms the landscape into a pristine wonderland of snow and frost, while summer brings warm, golden days with temperatures climbing into the comfortable 70s. Spring awakens the forest with fresh mountain air and wildflower blooms, though crisp evenings remind you to pack that extra layer. Fall paints the surrounding hills in warm hues, with cool nights perfect for campfire gatherings.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 18 through September 10. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Full services provided from May 18 through September 10.
- Current Alerts: null
About Ditch Creek Campground
Nestled alongside the gentle waters of Ditch Creek, this tranquil mountain retreat offers the perfect escape into nature's embrace. Recently transformed in June 2022, Ditch Creek Campground now welcomes modern RVs with spacious, accessible sites while maintaining its authentic wilderness charm. Here, the soothing sounds of the creek create a natural soundtrack for your outdoor adventure.
Ditch Creek Campground caters to tent and RV campers with 13 combined sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. However, the campground does not support group camping or extra facilities like cabins or luxury camping options.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of four distinct seasons at 6,300 feet. Winter transforms the landscape into a pristine wonderland of snow and frost, while summer brings warm, golden days with temperatures climbing into the comfortable 70s. Spring awakens the forest with fresh mountain air and wildflower blooms, though crisp evenings remind you to pack that extra layer. Fall paints the surrounding hills in warm hues, with cool nights perfect for campfire gatherings.
ElevationPerched at 6,300 feet above sea level, Ditch Creek Campground offers that authentic high-country experience. The crisp mountain air and elevated perspective provide stunning vistas, though visitors should take time to acclimate to the altitude. Remember to stay hydrated and take it easy on your first day as your body adjusts to this mountain paradise.
Natural Features and SceneryDiscover your perfect spot among towering spruce pines that reach skyward like nature's cathedral. The campground's thoughtful layout along the creek valley offers diverse experiences - from intimate, heavily shaded sites perfect for privacy seekers to more open areas where sunlight filters through the majestic canopy. The melodic flow of Ditch Creek weaves through the campground, creating a serene atmosphere that soothes the soul.
Geological RegionLocated in the legendary Black Hills National Forest of South Dakota, where ancient granite peaks meet pristine pine forests in one of America's most cherished landscapes.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets are wheelchair accessible, and the campground reconstruction in 2022 aimed to improve accessibility.
Sites SizeSites are described as leveled and spacious, with enough room for modern-sized RVs.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies significantly; the spur section offers better shade and privacy, whereas the loop section of the campground is more open with limited privacy.
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Sites near the creek offer better privacy and forested surroundings. The open circle sites provide minimal shade and lower privacy."
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
14 days maximum per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
Group camping is not available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of two sections: a single loop that is mostly open with minimal shade, and a dead-end spur with more shade and privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonFull services provided from May 18 through September 10.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available for Ditch Creek Campground.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are available first-come, first-served.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Ditch Creek Campground is a haven for outdoor activities, particularly hiking and fishing. Positioned amidst scenic surroundings along Ditch Creek, it provides access to miles of ATV trails and trout fishing opportunities. Wildlife viewing and the peaceful ambiance are additional attractions.
Hiking
The campground provides access to OHV trails, including the motorized trail #6006. Reviewers praise the extensive network of trails nearby, stating: 'The area is right in the middle of hundreds of miles of ATV trails.'Fishing
Fishing is supported in Ditch Creek, which hosts brook trout. One reviewer noted, 'Ditch Creek follows the west side of the area and is a very nice little creek with brook trout swimming around.'Wildlife viewing
Campers can enjoy observing wildlife in the serene environment, although no specific species are mentioned.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specified in the source materials.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not offered at this campground.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Follows Black Hills National Forest regulations.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsCampground is adjacent to ATV trails, contributing to dust and potential noise from vehicles.
Active alertsnull
Weather at Ditch Creek Campground
30
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 70%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 15.1 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Mainly clear
Weather History
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Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesMay 18 through September 10
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned, but one review notes that non-camping public are allowed to use the restrooms if parked across the road.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Ditch Creek, which is a small stream.
Common complaintsIssues with dust from vehicles or ATVs, and the inconvenience of the hand-pump water system were mentioned in user reviews.
HostUser review indicates a host is present; some campers described the host as friendly, while others noted grumpiness.
Campground Map
Driving directionsTo access the campground from Hill City, travel west on Highway 17, Deerfield Road approximately 19 miles to FSR 291. Turn left or south onto FSR 291, and travel four miles to the campground.
Ditch Creek Rd. (Forest Rt. 291) is dirt and gravel and a wide single lane.Nearby places
Hill City is approximately 19 miles away.
Nearby supplies
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Reviews from booking and map sources
4.5
14 reviews
Ditch Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives positive reviews for its peaceful and secluded setting, cleanliness, and access to recreational activities like hiking and fishing. However, reviewers mention challenges such as limited water facilities, dust from ATV trails, and absence of cell service.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews
What Campers Love
- 'Beautiful secluded camp that's right on a stream.' - 'Very nice, clean and well taken care of campground.' - 'The camping spots were leveled and spacious.' - 'Cleanest vault potty facilities I've...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
- Dust from ATV, UTV, and other vehicles. - Limited water access with only a hand pump available. - Grumpy behavior from the campground host (mentioned in one review). - Lack of cell service.
Based on 14 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring sufficient water storage containers to make use of the hand pump spigot. - Campers should prepare for no cell service or Wi-Fi connectivity. - For better privacy and shade, opt for the spur...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer provides full services, including the peak camping season from May to September. Off-season camping is possible, but only basic facilities remain available.
Based on 14 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'Dont come here unless your [sic] an experienced camper but its a great place.' - 'Great little primitive campground! Nice shade and quiet!' - 'A great place to escape! No cell service and little...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites near the creek are described as more forested and private, while the loop section offers less privacy. A reviewer noted: '3 campsites are by the river and more forested and private. The rest of...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Vault toilets are wheelchair accessible, and reconstruction efforts in 2022 aimed to improve accessibility for modern RVs.
Based on 14 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are mentioned in fee descriptions ($2 per pet per day), but no specific reviews highlight pet-related experiences.
Based on 14 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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